Individual moistening apparatus

ABSTRACT

Apparatus for providing moistened cleaning tissues, in particular paper tissues, includes a housing having an upper housing portion and a lower housing portion which define a moistening chamber therebetween. The lower housing portion has a storage space for cleaning tissues and a support surface for a cleaning tissue to be moistened. Disposed in the upper housing portion is a spraying device or spraying a liquid in a downward direction. A metering pump is arranged in the upper housing portion and configured for manual operation via a pushbutton. The spraying device includes an elastic sheet, which forms an upper boundary of the moistening chamber and includes a plurality of through channels which are impervious to fluid in the absence of an applied pressure, and which let fluid pass through when pressure is applied.

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application is a continuation of prior filed copending PCT International application no. PCT/AT00/00006, filed Jan. 13, 2000.

[0002] This application claims the priority of Austrian Patent Applications, Serial Nos. A 1261/99, filed Jul. 21, 1999, and A 1893/99, filed Nov. 9, 1999, the subject matter of which is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The present invention relates, in general, to an apparatus for providing moistened cleaning tissues, such as paper tissues, and more particularly to a moistening apparatus of a type including a housing, having an upper portion which is provided with a device for spraying a liquid in a downward direction, and a lower portion which has a support for the cleaning tissue to be moistened and a storage space for the cleaning tissues, wherein a moistening chamber is formed between the upper and lower portions and wherein the upper portion includes a metering pump which is operated manually via a button. The invention is also directed to the use of a moistening apparatus for individually moistening cleaning tissues, in particular paper towels, which includes a spray unit arranged in a housing, for application in the gastronomical environment.

[0004] In particular in upscale restaurants, it is customary to offer guests paper napkins or the like to remove sticky or annoying food residues left on the mouth and/or hands after the consumption of food and drinks. Although the paper napkins are helpful in many cases, the dry wiping action is insufficient to thoroughly remove such residues, in particular stuck-on food residues after eating sweets or greasy food. In particular after a meal of poultry or ribs, residues from these meals tend to stick to both the hands and the dry napkin.

[0005] Looking for a place to wash hands and face can be cumbersome or even undesirable due to poor hygiene in the toilets. The resulting discomfort may cause the guests to leave the restaurant prematurely, with the proprietor losing income as a result.

[0006] It is also customary to wash up using moistened towels. For example, WO 93/22961 discloses a hygiene box for toilets and bathrooms which allows moistening of individual sheets of toilet paper. For this purpose, a moistening space with a moistening trough is provided which is located above the tissue holder and includes a metering unit and a nozzle for spraying the moistening trough.

[0007] In a similar manner, existing cleaning tissues, such as paper napkins and handkerchiefs, can be adequately moistened and used to effectively remove the food residues. After having come in contact with butter, jam, fish, meat, poultry and the like, greasy or sticky hands can be completely cleaned by using the moistened napkins. When the cleaning tissue is moistened by using a special cleaning fluid, the cleaning process after the meal produces both hygienic and antibacterial conditions, which also prevents infections.

[0008] It would therefore be desirable and advantageous to provide an improved moistening apparatus to obviate prior art shortcomings and to facilitate moistening of individual cleaning tissues directly at the location where food and/or beverages are consumed, i.e., at a table in the restaurant, in a car or in an airplane, with a high level of comfort.

[0009] It would also be desirable and advantageous to provide an improved moistening apparatus to enable moistening of individual cleaning tissues directly at the location where food and beverages are consumed, i.e., at the table in a restaurant.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0010] According to one aspect of the present invention, an apparatus for providing moistened cleaning tissues, in particular paper tissues, includes a housing having an upper housing portion and a lower housing portion which define a moistening chamber therebetween, wherein the lower housing portion has a storage space for cleaning tissues and a support surface for a cleaning tissue to be moistened; a spraying device, disposed in the upper housing portion, for spraying a liquid in a downward direction; a metering pump disposed in the upper housing portion and configured for manual operation via a pushbutton, wherein the spraying device includes an elastic sheet, which forms an upper boundary of the moistening chamber and includes a plurality of through channels which are impervious to fluid in the absence of an applied pressure, and which let fluid pass through when pressure is applied.

[0011] It is to be understood by persons skilled in the art that the term “sheet” is used here in a generic sense and the principles described in the following description with respect to “sheet” are equally applicable to any other type of such structure, such as membrane, film, foil or sheeting, which generally follows the concepts outlined here. For convenience and sake of simplicity, the following description refers only to the term “sheet”.

[0012] The through channels have a very small diameter and seal against fluid passage due to the elasticity of the sheet. As soon as an increased pressure acts on the sheet, the sheet is pulled apart, whereby the through channels open until the cleaning fluid can enter the moistening chamber.

[0013] According to another feature of the invention, the side of the elastic sheet opposite the moistening chamber can form the boundary with an enclosed suction chamber. Both a supply line which is connected via a check valve with a storage container filled with a cleaning fluid, as well as a connecting line to a manually operated metering pump terminate in the suction chamber. With the suction chamber constructed in this way, a certain volume of the cleaning fluid can be drawn off by the suction pump and subsequently pressed through the through channels which become enlarged under the pressure exerted by the suction pump and thereby let the liquid pass through.

[0014] According to another feature of the invention, the through channels can be arranged on the elastic sheet in form of a matrix. In this way, the through channels are distributed uniformly across the entire surface of the elastic sheet and the paper tissue inserted into moistening chamber is hence evenly moistened. A particular uniform moistening effect is achieved by arranging the moistening channels in a 13×13 matrix.

[0015] According to another feature of the invention, the elastic sheet can be made of rubber, and the sheet can be mounted in a frame. In this way, the sheet can cover a relatively large area in the moistening chamber. A multi-part arrangement formed of individual sheets or membranes can, however, also be provided.

[0016] According to another feature of the invention, the elastic sheet can be prevented from sagging through reinforcement with a mesh extending parallel to the sheet, with the through channels arranged inside the screen mesh.

[0017] According to another aspect of the present invention, an apparatus for individually moistening cleaning tissues, in particular paper napkins, includes a housing having a storage container, which is filled with cleaning fluid, and including a moistening chamber, which is accessible from outside and has a lower area formed with a flat support surface for a cleaning tissue to be moistened; at least one spray nozzle disposed in an upper area of the moistening chamber; a manually operated metering pump for applying cleaning fluid from the storage container onto the cleaning tissue, wherein the housing is essentially configured as a block to provide a freestanding unit for use in the gastronomical field on a table, said block having lateral edges and defined by a height which is smaller than a length of the lateral edges, wherein the block has a lower area, below the support surface, which is formed with a depository for receiving a stack of flat, unmoistened cleaning tissues, wherein the housing is formed with compartments intended for placement of restaurant utensils, such as salt shakers, toothpick containers and a menu are provided on the housing.

[0018] Cleaning tissues can be moistened hygienically and efficiently because the apparatus of the invention can be located in a housing and placed for general use, for example, on tables.

[0019] According to another feature of the invention, the housing—as viewed in the operating position—can include a lower housing portion for supporting a cleaning tissue and an upper housing portion disposed offset in height with respect to the lower housing portion and having a bottom side for arrangement of at least one spray nozzle, wherein the lower and the upper housing portions are connected with one another at least on one side, so that the space between the lower and the upper housing portions forms the moistening chamber, which is open on at least one side, for incorporation of a single cleaning tissue which can be moistened by using the at least one spray nozzle.

[0020] According to another feature of the invention, the lower housing portion and the upper housing portion can be connected in one piece with one another. In this way, the housing can easily be manufactured as an injection-molded part.

[0021] According to another feature of the invention, access to the moistening apparatus can be facilitated by having the upper housing portion overlap only partially the lower housing portion. The moistening chamber which extends between the upper and lower housing portions is then easily accessible, so that the paper napkin or the like can be moistened without requiring intricate handling.

[0022] According to another feature of the invention, the flat support surface can be made of an absorbent insert, for example a sponge insert. The absorbent insert absorbs the excess liquid, which has been discharged by the moistening apparatus but has not been absorbed by the paper napkin, and distributes it uniformly on the underside of the paper napkin, thereby preventing the excess liquid from leaving the moistening chamber.

[0023] According to another feature of the invention, the moistening chamber can include a pull-out tray with the support surface for the cleaning tissue to be moistened, wherein the tray with the cleaning tissue resting thereon can be pushed into the moistening chamber. The pull-out tray makes the moistening operation more comfortable because the tray can be designed to open and close automatically, like a CD drive. Moreover, the tray completely seals the moistening chamber in its retracted position, thereby preventing dirt from entering the chamber.

[0024] According to another feature of the invention, the at least one fluid nozzle is arranged on the bottom side of the upper housing portion. The downwardly oriented fluid nozzles spray the cleaning fluid onto the cleaning tissue located below the upper housing portion. The lower housing portion which is located underneath and has an absorbent support receives the excess cleaning fluid.

[0025] According to another feature of the invention, the upper housing portion can be formed as a hollow body in which the supply lines, which are not visible from the outside, are placed between the storage container and the manually operated pump.

[0026] According to another feature of the invention, the storage container can also be integrated within the housing by forming the connecting piece between the lower and upper housing portions as a hollow body, in which the storage container is placed.

[0027] Moreover, a swivel foot can be disposed on the bottom side of the housing, whereby the housing can be rotated about a vertical axis. In this way, the housing can be placed on a table, and each occupant of the table can rotate the housing so as to bring the moistening chamber into a position that is best suited for inserting and moistening the cleaning tissue.

[0028] The apparatus according to the invention can be operated comfortably from several sides when the moistening chamber is open on three lateral sides.

[0029] According to another feature of the invention, the apparatus can be constructed in a very practical manner by arranging the moistening chamber in a housing with a lateral rectangular opening on one side to form the open side of the moistening chamber.

[0030] According to another feature of the invention, the supply of cleaning fluid can be easily checked when the storage container for the cleaning fluid is disposed on the rear side of the housing and is provided with a level indicator.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

[0031] Other features and advantages of the present invention will be more readily apparent upon reading the following description of currently preferred exemplified embodiments of the invention with reference to the accompanying drawing, in which:

[0032]FIG. 1 is an oblique view of an embodiment of the apparatus according to the invention;

[0033]FIG. 2 is a side view of the apparatus of FIG. 1

[0034]FIG. 3 is a rear view of the apparatus of FIG. 1;

[0035]FIG. 4 is a sectional view parallel to a side face of the apparatus according to the invention of FIG. 1;

[0036]FIG. 5 is a sectional view parallel to the front face of the apparatus according to the invention of FIG. 1;

[0037]FIG. 6 is an oblique view of another embodiment of the apparatus according to the invention;

[0038]FIG. 7 is a sectional view taken parallel to a side face of the apparatus of FIG. 6;

[0039]FIG. 8 is a side view of another embodiment of the invention;

[0040]FIG. 9 is a front view of the apparatus of FIG. 8;

[0041]FIG. 10 is a rear view of the apparatus of FIG. 8; and

[0042]FIG. 11 is a top view of the apparatus of FIG. 8.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0043] Throughout all the Figures, same or corresponding elements are generally indicated by same reference numerals.

[0044] Turning now to the drawing, and in particular to FIG. 1, there is shown an oblique view of an apparatus for individually moistening cleaning tissues, in particular paper napkins, having a moistening apparatus 10 arranged in a housing 1. The apparatus can also be used to individually moisten paper napkins, handkerchiefs, kitchen towels and the like, to enhance the cleaning action of these tissues. The topside of the housing 1 includes an element 5 for activating the moistening apparatus 10, which in the embodiment depicted in FIG. 1, is formed as a pushbutton actuator.

[0045] In addition, the housing 1 includes—as viewed in the operating position—a lower housing portion 70 for depositing the cleaning towel and an upper housing portion 7 extending offset in height with respect to the lower housing portion 70 and having a bottom side for arrangement of the moistening apparatus which is formed as a spray unit 10 with a spraying direction—as viewed in the operating position—directed essentially downwardly.

[0046] The lower housing portion 70 and the upper housing portion 7 are connected in one piece with one another. The pushbutton actuator 5 is arranged on the topside of the upper housing portion 7.

[0047] The space between the lower and upper housing portions 70, 7 forms a moistening chamber 2 which is open on at least one side, in the embodiment depicted in FIG. 1 on three sides, and provided for insertion of an individual cleaning tissue which can be moistened with the spray unit 10.

[0048] The topside of the lower housing portion 70 includes a support surface formed of an absorbent insert, which is formed by a sponge insert 25 or the like, and provided for placement of a napkin which can be moistened. The sponge absorbs excess fluid and also promotes an even distribution of the liquid of the cleaning tissue. In the embodiment of FIG. 1, the spray unit is comprised of several fluid nozzles 10 which are arranged on an upper boundary wall of the moistening chamber 2. Of course, it is also possible to provide only one central nozzle or to provide another method of spraying or wetting the moistening towel can be provided. Also, the paper towel may be moistened by using a trough containing a liquid and located inside the moistening chamber.

[0049] As seen in FIG. 4, the fluid nozzles 10 are connected via supply lines 14 with the outlet of a suction pump 20, 21, which in turn is connected via a fluid line 23 with a storage container for receiving a cleaning fluid 26, e.g., water. During operation of the suction pump 20, 21, liquid is withdrawn from the container 26 with each pump stroke and simultaneously sprayed by the nozzles 10. Instead of pure water, the container 26 may also contain another liquid, which may contain a fragrance or a cleaning additive. The suction pump 20, 21 is operated by pressing the pushbutton actuator 5.

[0050] The lower region of the housing I includes a depository 6 for receiving a plurality of cleaning tissues, from which an individual tissue to be moistened can be removed as needed. Additional recesses 3, 4 intended for various restaurant utensils, such as a saltshaker, toothpick container or the like, are provided as an integral component on the topside and backside of the housing 1. A compartment 11 formed by a shelf wall 14 can be used to store a menu. The bottom side of the housing 1 also includes a swivel foot 12, so that the housing can be rotated about a vertical axis.

[0051] By activating the pushbutton 5, cleaning fluid can be pumped through the fluid nozzles 10, moistening the cleaning tissue located below. The moistening chamber can have a variety of shapes and can also be open only on one side.

[0052] The design and arrangement of the fluid nozzles 10 can be adapted to the shape of the housing 1. However, care should be taken to prevent liquid from the chamber 2 to directly reach the user.

[0053] According to another, not shown, embodiment of the invention, the moistening chamber can include a pullout tray with a support surface for the cleaning tissue to be moistened. The tray with the cleaning tissue resting thereon can be inserted into the moistening chamber. In this way, the apparatus of the invention is particularly suited for use in automobiles, airplanes or the like, where the housing can be integrated in a console, for example of an automobile. After it has been moistened, the tissue can be pulled out again of the moistening chamber with the tray.

[0054] In the embodiment depicted in FIGS. 6 and 7, the moistening apparatus 15 is arranged in a housing 1 which has on one side a rectangular opening 16 to form the open side of the moistening chamber 2. To improve stability, the housing 1 is arranged on a base 10 which can also be implemented as a rotary table, so that the opening 16 can be reached from any side.

[0055] The moistening apparatus includes an elastic sheet 8 which—as seen in the operating position—forms at least partially the upper boundary of the moistening chamber 2 and has a plurality of through channels 15 that are impervious to liquid in the absence of an applied pressure and allows passage of liquid when pressure is applied. As stated already above, the term “sheet” is used here in a generic sense and includes structures, such as membrane, film, foil or sheeting.

[0056] The number of through channels is not limited and can be adapted to a particular application. Even the arrangement of only a single through channel would be conceivable. A state without applied pressure is to be understood as a state wherein no external mechanical pressure is applied to the elastic sheet 8. The thickness of the sheet 8 can be adapted to the number of through channels and the applied load and is preferably in the range of several millimeters.

[0057] On the side opposite the moistening chamber 2, the elastic sheet 8 bounds an enclosed suction chamber 9. A supply line 17 which is connected via a check valve 3 with a storage container 13 filled with a cleaning fluid, for example water, as well as a connecting line 6 leading to a manually actuatable suction pump 4 terminate in the suction chamber 9. Instead of pure water, the container 13 can be filled with a different liquid, which may contain a fragrance or a cleaning additive.

[0058] The suction chamber 9 can be adapted to sealingly retain the cleaning fluid by providing through openings with a very small diameter in the range of tenths of millimeters or less, which seal automatically in a pressureless state as a consequence of the elasticity of the sheet 8.

[0059] The suction pump 4 can be operated manually via the pushbutton 5. Cleaning fluid is always drawn into the suction chamber 9 when the pushbutton 5, which is pretensioned by a spring, returns to its initial position after being pressed, thereby drawing in cleaning fluid from the storage container 13 in the passage mode of the check valve 3.

[0060] When the pushbutton 5 is pressed, however, the check valve 3 closes and the cleaning fluid contained in the suction chamber 9 is pressed against the elastic sheet 8, applying pressure to the sheet 8, so that the thereby produced tension in the elastic sheet o8 opens the through channels 15 to such an extent that the cleaning fluid can drop onto the paper napkins located in the moistening chamber 2, moistening the same.

[0061] To uniformly distribute the liquid across the paper towel inserted in the moistening chamber 2, the through channels 15 on the elastic sheet 8 are arranged in form of a matrix, preferably a 13×13 matrix. However, the mutual distance of the through channels 15 may be selected arbitrarily.

[0062] Currently preferred is the manufacture of the elastic sheet 8 of rubber. The sheet 8 may be mounted in a frame firmly enough to withstand the pressure of the suction pump exerted from above. To prevent sagging, the elastic sheet 8 is reinforced by a mesh, not shown, which extends in parallel relationship thereto, wherein the through channels 15 are arranged inside the mesh screen.

[0063] Provided in the moistening chamber 2 is a support surface 14 (FIG. 2) for an absorbent sponge insert or the like, on which the paper napkins can be placed and moistened. The sponge absorbs excess liquid, thereby evenly distributing the liquid over the cleaning tissue. A shelf wall 14 is formed of the backside of the housing 1 for receiving, for example, a menu. The storage container 13 for the cleaning fluid, which can be equipped with a fill level indicator, is also arranged in the area of the backside of the housing 1.

[0064] In the embodiment depicted in FIGS. 8 to 11, the upper housing portion 7 overlaps the lower housing portion 70 only partially and the cleaning tissue is moistened exclusively via a single central fluid nozzle 100. A pushbutton actuator 50 can be activated to moisten a cleaning tissue supported under the nozzle 100. Of course, instead of the single nozzle 100, a sheet or membrane according to the exemplified embodiment of FIGS. 6, 7 or a plurality of nozzles may be employed.

[0065] The lower portion 70 is formed as a semicircle when viewed in plan view. The upper portion 7 essentially matches this shape and is set back relative to the lower portion, wherein the front edge of the upper portion 7 terminates approximately in the area of the center of the semicircle of the lower section 70 (FIG. 11).

[0066] Two shelf walls 140 adapted to receive a menu and other information carriers are formed on the backside of the housing 110. The topside of the housing 110 has several indentations 160, 161, 162, 163, for placement of, for example, salt and pepper shakers, toothpicks and beer coasters. These indentations, however, can also be used for other purposes. For example, writing utensils, paper clips, rubber bands and the like can be stored in the indentations, when the apparatus of the invention is used in an office. The housing 1 rests on feet 180.

[0067] While the invention has been illustrated and described as embodied in an individual moistening apparatus, it is not intended to be limited to the details shown since various modifications and structural changes may be made without departing in any way from the spirit of the present invention. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and practical application to thereby enable a person skilled in the art to best utilize the invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.

[0068] What is claimed as new and desired to be protected by Letters Patent is set forth in the appended claims and their equivalents: 

What is claimed is:
 1. Apparatus for providing moistened cleaning tissues, in particular paper tissues, comprising: a housing having an upper housing portion and a lower housing portion which define a moistening chamber therebetween, wherein the lower housing portion has a storage space for cleaning tissues and a support surface for a cleaning tissue to be moistened; a spraying device, disposed in the upper housing portion, for spraying a liquid in a downward direction; a metering pump disposed in the upper housing portion and configured for manual operation via a pushbutton, wherein the spraying device includes an elastic sheet, which forms an upper boundary of the moistening chamber and includes a plurality of through channels which are impervious to fluid in the absence of an applied pressure, and which let fluid pass through when pressure is applied.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the upper housing portion is formed with a suction chamber bounded on one side by the sheet, wherein the suction chamber is fluidly connected to a storage container filled with a cleaning fluid and to a manually operated metering pump for drawing fluid from the storage container to the suction chamber.
 3. The apparatus of claim 2, and further comprising a check valve disposed in a supply line between the suction chamber and the storage container.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the through channels are arranged on the sheet in the form of a matrix.
 5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the matrix is a 13×13 matrix.
 6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the sheet is made of rubber, and further comprising a frame for attachment of the sheet.
 7. The apparatus of claim 1, and further comprising a mesh provided for reinforcement of the sheet and extending in parallel relationship to the sheet, with the through channels being arranged inside the screen mesh.
 8. Apparatus for individually moistening cleaning tissues, in particular paper napkins, comprising: a housing having a storage container, which is filled with cleaning fluid, and including a moistening chamber, which is accessible from outside and has a lower area formed with a flat support surface for a cleaning tissue to be moistened; at least one spray nozzle disposed in an upper area of the moistening chamber; a manually operated metering pump for applying cleaning fluid from the storage container onto the cleaning tissue, wherein the housing is essentially configured as a block to provide a freestanding unit for use in the gastronomical field on a table, said block having lateral edges and defined by a height which is smaller than a length of the lateral edges, wherein the block has a lower area, below the support surface, which is formed with a depository for receiving a stack of flat, unmoistened cleaning tissues, wherein the housing is formed with compartments intended for placement of utensils.
 9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the housing—as viewed in a position of use—includes a lower housing portion, which includes the flat support surface, and an upper housing portion, which is located offset in height with respect to the lower housing portion, wherein the at least one spray nozzle is disposed on a bottom side of the upper housing portion, wherein the lower and upper housing portions are connected with one another at least on one side to thereby define therebetween the moistening chamber which is open on at least one side and intended for insertion of an individual cleaning tissue which can be moistened by using the at least one spray nozzle.
 10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the lower housing portion and the upper housing portion are connected in one piece with one another.
 11. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the upper housing portion partially overlaps the lower housing portion.
 12. The apparatus of claim 8, and further comprising an absorbent insert received in the housing and having one side which defines the flat support surface.
 13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the absorbent insert is a sponge insert.
 14. The apparatus of claim 8, and further comprising a pull-out tray which defines the support surface for the cleaning tissue to be moistened and is insertable with the cleaning tissue resting on the tray into the moistening chamber.
 15. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the at least one spray nozzle is arranged on the bottom side of the upper housing portion.
 16. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the upper housing portion is formed as a hollow body for accommodating supply lines between the storage container and the manually operated metering pump.
 17. The apparatus of claim 9, and further comprising a connecting piece extending between the lower and upper housing portions and formed as a hollow body for accommodation of the storage container.
 18. The apparatus of claim 8, and further comprising a swivel foot connected to a bottom side of the housing for allowing rotation of the housing about a vertical axis.
 19. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the moistening chamber is open on three sides.
 20. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the housing has one side formed with a rectangular opening to form an open side of the moistening chamber.
 21. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the storage container for the cleaning fluid is arranged on a rear side of the housing and provided with a level indicator.
 22. A use of an apparatus for individually moistening cleaning tissues, in particular paper napkins, which includes a spray unit arranged in a housing, for application in a gastronomical environment. 